Southern Style Goulash
What Southern Style Goulash should taste like is a delightful blend of savory beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce. This dish bursts with flavor, enveloping your senses with the aroma of garlic and spices as it simmers away. It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. You’ll crave a generous helping of this goulash, topped with melted cheese for an added layer of indulgence. You may also find Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas useful.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick prep time makes it perfect for busy evenings.
- Uses common pantry ingredients, so you likely have everything on hand.
- It’s budget-friendly, making it an ideal option for families.
- One-pot cooking means less cleanup after a satisfying meal.
- It’s versatile and can be modified to suit various tastes.
This Southern Style Goulash delivers on all fronts, providing a meal that’s both familiar and fulfilling, sure to please everyone at the table. You may also find Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Garden Salad useful.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese (optional for topping)
When selecting ingredients for your goulash, choose high-quality ground beef for a flavorful base. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of your dish. For dietary substitutions, consider using ground turkey for a leaner protein, whole wheat elbow macaroni for a healthier carbohydrate option, or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Look for a nice brown color to develop, which adds flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it may steam instead of brown.
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Sauté Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. You’ll notice a sweet aroma as the onion cooks. Avoid burning the garlic, which can create an unpleasant bitterness.
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Add Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring consistently. Pay attention to the bubbling sound—it indicates the sauce is coming together nicely.
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Cook the Pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni, making sure it’s well-distributed. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and be mindful of the cooking time to ensure the pasta doesn’t become mushy.
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Finishing Touches: If you like, sprinkle shredded cheese over the dish before serving. The cheese should melt into the goulash, adding a creamy texture. Avoid serving without tasting first, as you may need to adjust the seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the goulash piping hot with warm bread rolls or a side garden salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, drizzle some olive oil over the top before serving to enhance flavor. This dish is ideal for family dinners or potlucks, inviting everyone to gather around a comforting bowl of food.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture.
Pro Tips / Common Mistakes
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Flavor Technique: Add a touch of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the depth of flavor. Just a tablespoon can make a big difference.
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Texture Trick: For a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
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Common Mistake: Avoid overcooking the pasta by checking it a couple of minutes before the suggested time; it should be al dente.
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Ingredient Upgrade: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a better melt and creaminess in your goulash.
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Time-saving Technique: Prep your vegetables and measure out ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
Variations
Spicy Version
For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions. This will elevate the goulash with a nice spicy kick.
Lighter and Healthier Version
Substituting ground turkey for ground beef and whole wheat elbow macaroni can reduce the calories and increase the fiber content without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian or Vegan Version
To adjust the recipe for a vegetarian or vegan diet, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this goulash ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for a day before serving. Just reheat on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed.
Q: Why is my goulash too watery?
A: If your goulash is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the sauce.
Q: What’s the best substitute for elbow macaroni?
A: You can use any short pasta shape, like penne or rotini. Additionally, gluten-free pasta is a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Q: How long does goulash keep in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate a doubled recipe, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Q: Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
A: No, this recipe cooks the pasta directly in the goulash. This method allows the pasta to absorb flavors while cooking, making it more tasty.
Conclusion
Enjoying a comforting bowl of Southern Style Goulash is a lovely way to bring the family together. This hearty meal is simple to prepare and can be adapted to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for further inspiration, check out Southern Style Goulash and Homemade Southern Goulash for additional delicious recipes to try.
Southern Style Goulash
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni, reduce to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the dish before serving.
